disengage

verb

dis·​en·​gage ˌdis-in-ˈgāj How to pronounce disengage (audio)
disengaged; disengaging; disengages

transitive verb

: to release from something that engages or involves

intransitive verb

: to release or detach oneself : withdraw
disengagement noun

Examples of disengage in a Sentence

The two dancers moved together in a series of quick movements before disengaging and leaping apart. Put the car in gear, and then slowly disengage the clutch while pressing on the gas pedal. If there is a malfunction, the gears will automatically disengage.
Recent Examples on the Web Most Russians have never witnessed a democratic transfer of power between rival political parties in a traditional presidential election, and the crackdown on dissent has worked to keep much of the population disengaged from politics. Christian Edwards, CNN, 14 Mar. 2024 As for the airship, the carbon-fiber blimp is held down by secure ropes until given the green light to disengage. Tori Latham, Robb Report, 7 Mar. 2024 But that withdrawal comes with pangs of guilt for being privileged and safe enough to mentally disengage, unlike innocent civilians in Gaza, Israel, Ukraine or dozens of other spots where folks are suffering. Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 12 Feb. 2024 You are left feeling left out, neglected and disengaged from work. Jack Kelly, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 Parts of those models’ transmissions may not immediately disengage when put in neutral, allowing some power to be transferred to the wheels. William Gavin, Quartz, 28 Feb. 2024 If Republican officials begin disengaging from CISA, their states will lose critical security protections and resources. Eric Geller, WIRED, 26 Feb. 2024 Putin benefits heavily from apathy; Russians have never witnessed a democratic transfer of power between rival political parties, and expressions of anger at the Kremlin are rare enough to keep much of the population disengaged from politics. Rob Picheta, CNN, 25 Feb. 2024 Toyota is recalling approximately 280,000 vehicles because certain parts of the transmission may not immediately disengage when the vehicle is shifted to the neutral position, the automaker said Wednesday. Gabe Hauari, USA TODAY, 23 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'disengage.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

French désengager, from Middle French, from des- dis- + engager to engage

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of disengage was in 1611

Dictionary Entries Near disengage

Cite this Entry

“Disengage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disengage. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

disengage

verb
dis·​en·​gage ˌdis-ᵊn-ˈgāj How to pronounce disengage (audio)
: to free or release from an engagement, entanglement, or burden
disengage an automobile clutch
disengagement noun

More from Merriam-Webster on disengage

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